In the first innings, Hodd stood up to Patto when Bell was facing but not when Patel was facing, for some reason. It seemed odd because Patel was batting out of his crease...although I suppose having the keeper up does constrain the bowler somewhat.

About team selection: if you don't have a selectable spinner, you have to play five seamers. It's a simple workload issue: the most robust quick will only give you 6-7 over spells max, whereas a good spinner can bowl for a whole session if needed.

Also, someone suggested that in the next game, "the two youngsters should play and also be the given opportunity to start with new ball". New ball bowling is a specific skill and not just a reward for being the best or most promising bowler. Brooks, for all his foibles, is an accomplished new ball bowler; Coad is just beginning to learn his craft; Fisher has only second XI experience. It would be risky imho to open the bowling with two novices in our most crucial match of the season.